Scharner's Benefited By Hodgson's Arrival

Keith Downing believes that Paul Scharner has benefited from the arrival of Roy Hodgson as he now has a defined role to excel in.

Speaking to wba.co.uk Downing believes that we are seeing the best of Scharner now he's being used as a foil for Mulumbu in midfield, and the stability of his positioning is helping to improve his match day form.

'There is a massive focus to Paul's game, he does extra training and his professionalism is noticeable. Hodgson sees Scharner as a foil with Mulumbu, those two midfield players are very important for us and have both done very well.'

One of the things that pleases Downing is that he says Scharner is one of the first into training and one of the last out, and that he is still very driven to improve as a player despite his age.

Not only is that a brilliant asset and mentality whilst on the pitch, but it also makes him a brilliant influence off the pitch.